The final play-off match in the qualifying round of Ho Chi Minh City region between the two teams Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education (SPKT) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry (Nung Lam) was very attractive and dramatic.

The match was only truly over when the final whistle sounded, with victory belonging to the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry after tireless efforts to protect the narrow score of only 1-0. Meanwhile, the players of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education collapsed in regret, while also being determined to find an equalizer until the last seconds of the match.

Worthy of being a top competition. The match between Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education and Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry was one of the most exciting matches in the Ho Chi Minh City regional qualifying round. Victory only belonged to the team that knew how to take advantage of the opportunity to score a goal to break the deadlock.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry team did that, when they took advantage of the opportunity from a corner kick for center back Nguyen Quoc Viet (20) to join the surprise attack with a close-range header to score in the 27th minute.

Before and after conceding a goal, the HCM City University of Technology and Education team always took the initiative on the field. Coach Tran Manh Hung's team always put pressure on the HCM City University of Agriculture and Forestry's defense. However, on an unlucky day, the HCM City University of Technology and Education team let many scoring opportunities pass by, and striker Trieu Hong Chinh (7) was always closely marked.

Besides, the factor that helped the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry stand firm against a stronger opponent was thanks to the excellent performance of captain goalkeeper Le Minh Chinh (1), who saved many goals and also had many accurate kicks to relieve pressure on his teammates in defense.

"It must be said that goalkeeper Le Minh Chinh helped the entire Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry play confidently today. He made reasonable entrances, assisted, relieved and saved goals. From there, he inspired the entire team to play very steadily to defend the victory," said coach Phan Van Vu of Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry.

"The Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education team played better than us today. But the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry team, after taking advantage of the scoring opportunity, made a difference in the match. For the rest, we played tightly and followed all tactical plans to protect the results. The ticket to the final round was well worth the efforts of the whole team," said coach Phan Van Vu.

Meanwhile, Coach Tran Manh Hung of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education team was full of regret. In the first season, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education team reached the quarter-finals of the finals. Therefore, not being able to participate in the second season finals is truly regrettable. Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry team hopes to go further than the group stage after participating in the first season finals.

Previously, Van Hien University also won a ticket to the final round of the THACO Cup 2024 for the first time, after a convincing 4-1 victory over Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. Van Hien University's goals were scored by players Tran Huynh Vu Thang (8), Nguyen Thanh Lich (16), Nguyen Tran Phat Thinh (6) and Chiem Hai Phuong (17) in an overwhelming match. Player Phan Thanh Phat (12) scored a consolation goal for Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.